17 Vintage Cars That Were Unbelievably Cool in the 80s

The 1980s were a golden era for automotive innovation, blending bold designs with raw performance that still echo through the streets today. From turbocharged legends to sleek supercars, the ’80s witnessed the rise of some of the most iconic vehicles ever built. Whether you were cruising down the highway or seeing them race on the screen, these vintage cars captivated hearts and defined a generation. Each of these cars has its own unique style, technology, and undeniable swagger. We hope you’re ready to take a look at the best cars the ’80s have to offer because we’re here to share them with you. Here are 17 vintage cars from the 1980s that are extremely cool.

1. BMW M3 E30

A white BMW M3 E30 is parked on a rural road at sunset. The car has gold rims and a sleek, classic design. In the background, there's a field and a line of trees silhouetted against an orange sky.
u/sbaq_plays/via reddit

Introduced: 1986

The legendary performance car became an icon for its racing pedigree and sharp handling.

2. Ferrari F40

A sleek, grey sports car drives at speed on a tree-lined road. The sunlight filters through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the pavement. The car features a low profile and a distinctive rear spoiler.
u/v8mustang1969/via reddit

Introduced: 1987

The F40 was Ferrari’s ultimate supercar, with aggressive styling, a turbocharged V8, and a top speed that was mind-blowing for its time.

3. Lamborghini Countach 5000 QV

A red sports car, featuring an angular design and rear spoiler, drives on a road with blurred trees in the background, suggesting speed and motion on a sunny day.
u/el_wakim/via reddit

Introduced: 1985

The quintessential 1980s supercar with its bold, angular design and powerful V12 engine was sure to turn heads.

If you love content like this, make sure to follow us here!

4. Porsche 959

An orange Porsche 959 displayed at an auto show. The sleek sports car features distinctive curves and design, with people and other cars visible in the background, creating an atmosphere of a high-end car exhibition.
u/arbili/via reddit

Introduced: 1986

A technological marvel of its time, the Porsche 959 featured an all-wheel-drive system, a twin-turbocharged engine, and advanced electronics.

5. Chevrolet Corvette C4

A vintage beige sports car with a sleek, aerodynamic design viewed from the side against a dark background. The car features a targa top and shiny circular hubcaps.
u/superjackson20/via reddit

Introduced: 1984

A more refined version of the Corvette, the C4 brought in new technologies like digital dashboards and an improved chassis.

6. Toyota Supra (A60)

A silver sports car is parked on a wet tarmac with three small jets in the background. The sky is overcast, creating a dramatic and moody atmosphere. The scene is set against distant, silhouetted mountains.
u/aceraspire/via reddit

Introduced: 1981

The A70 Supra marked the beginning of the car’s legendary status, known for its reliability and strong turbocharged performance.

7. Audi Quattro

A classic Audi rally car with a yellow and white livery and various sponsor logos navigates a curve on a paved road. The car has a distinctive boxy shape and large headlights, with trees and grass visible in the background.
via reddit

Introduced: 1980

Famous for introducing all-wheel drive to the rally scene, the Audi Quattro revolutionized both motorsports and road cars.

8. Nissan 300ZX (Z31)

A sleek, black sports car is parked in front of a building. The car has pop-up headlights, a low profile, and dark rims. The building behind has large windows displaying various other vehicles inside.
u/thecanadiangtr/via reddit

Introduced: 1983

A sports car with sleek looks, it was powered by a turbocharged V6 and featured advanced technology for its time.

9. Honda CRX HF

A white hatchback car, likely from the late 1980s or early 1990s, is parked on a street. It has a compact design with black trim and visible headlights. The background features a red wall and some greenery.
u/csx887/via reddit

Introduced: 1988

Known for its lightweight, sporty handling, and fuel efficiency, the CRX became a favorite among car enthusiasts.

10. BMW 745i

A classic black BMW sedan parked in a parking lot, positioned between two other vehicles. The car features a yellow license plate with the code "PJ-68-JH." A metal fence and a green grassy area are visible in the background.
u/harry_nl/via flickr

Introduced: 1986

A luxury sedan that set the standard for the segment, offering refinement and powerful performance.

11. Ferrari 288 GTO

A sleek, red sports car with a rear spoiler is parked on a pier, with water on both sides. The hood has vents, and the car's design features sharp angles and a low profile. The sun is setting, casting a warm glow on the scene.
via reddit

Introduced: 1984

A rare and highly sought-after Ferrari, the 288 GTO was designed for racing and delivered exceptional speed and handling.

12. Mazda RX-7 (FC3S)

A modified white sports car is parked on a road with scenic rocky hills in the background. The car features a wide body kit, gold mesh wheels, and various decals. The setting is outdoors, during the day.
u/palana/via reddit

Introduced: 1985

The RX-7 was powered by a unique rotary engine, offering a lightweight design, superb handling, and an iconic design.

13. Jaguar XJ-S

A vintage gold sports car is parked in an industrial warehouse with a concrete floor. The car has a sleek design with a coupe body and chrome details. The white walls and metal beams create a stark, minimalist background.
u/defiant-diver-6041/via reddit

Introduced: 1981

A luxury coupe with a powerful V12 engine, the XJ-S offered refinement, style, and incredible performance.

14. Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z

Red Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z parked in front of a light gray garage. The car features a sleek, sporty design with T-top panels, five-spoke alloy wheels, and distinct IROC-Z decals along the sides and back.
u/brolbo/via reddit

Introduced: 1985

The IROC-Z was a high-performance version of the Camaro, specifically designed for handling and tracking performance.

15. DeLorean DMC-12

A silver DeLorean sports car is parked on a suburban street, surrounded by green trees and a residential backdrop. The car features a distinctive boxy design with gull-wing doors and a sleek, angular body.
u/snipersboy14/via reddit

Introduced: 1981

Known for its futuristic design and gullwing doors, the DeLorean became an icon thanks to its role in Back to the Future.

16. Lancia Delta Integrale

A gray, vintage hatchback car with white wheels is parked in a dimly lit outdoor parking lot at night. The car is positioned angled to the left, with a streetlight and concrete walls in the background.
u/oligarchru/via reddit

Introduced: 1987

The Delta Integrale was a dominant rally car, with exceptional performance both on and off the road.

17. Mitsubishi Starion

A beige classic Mitsubishi Starion car with pop-up headlights is parked outdoors on a concrete surface. It's surrounded by lush green foliage and trees, creating a vintage and natural setting.
u/anonymouswaterbucket/via reddit

Introduced: 1982

The Starion was Mitsubishi’s turbocharged sports car, designed to compete with the likes of the Porsche 944 and Ford Mustang.